LOCAL artist Rob Verrill is the first to exhibit in a new gallery space at Insight School of Art in New Barnet.

The Barnet resident and art teacher is showing a collection of 21 watercolour paintings, entitled Abstracted Landscapes, at the Lancaster Road venue until November 13.

Mr Verrill recently had work displayed at the Mall Galleries with the Royal Institute of Painters In Water Colours and at the East Finchley Open.

He was also recently selected by Time Out’s Arts Editor Ossian Ward for the ING Discerning Eye exhibition, also at the Mall galleries.

As a former student of Inght School of Art, Mr Verrill felt it was a fitting venue for the biggest show of his work to date.

"The feedback has been very positive. This work goes back over about two years. When I put it all together like this I can see there was a progression over those two years."

Mr Verrill's paintings depict landscapes, but says none of them are real places, but elements taken from his memory of various landscapes he has encountered.

"My paintings take on a life of their own, and when they do, that's when I know they're finished."

Of his recent recognition from Time Out London, he said: "It's wonderful that other people appreciate watercolours, it's not always considered the 'in' medium."

Mr Verrill teaches children's classes at Insight and also art and design at Haberdashers' Aske's School for Girls in Elstree.

Mr Verrill's exhibition will run until November 13, and more information about his works can be found at www.robverrill.co.uk